Vishal Uppal is your typical local-hero-comes-good story.

Though unashamedly cocky, Vishal is well-liked by all who know him. Beneath his somewhat casual exterior, lies a surprisingly intelligent, thinking player. Most always thought Vishal always had the temperament for big match play, but needed to improve his strength and stamina. Today, he obviously had what it took and some more big match experience would probably smooth out the niggling things.

While revealing that Paes had thought about partnering Vishal in doubles about a month ago, Ramesh said the important thing was that "Leander and Vishal’s personalities gelled well. It isn’t all that easy playing with Leander." Vishal, when first inducted into the team, said that his being there was all due to Ramesh and Paes. It must have been nice for them to see that faith justified.